The leaders of several European states, including France, Germany and Italy, EU institutions and Canada, welcomed the ceasefire in the Middle East in a joint statement on Wednesday. Now, according to them, the goal should be to negotiate a quick and permanent end to the war in the coming days. They also stated that they will contribute to ensuring free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. TASR informs about it.
- European and Canadian leaders jointly welcomed the cease-fire between the United States and Iran.
- The goal is to negotiate a quick permanent end to the war in the coming days.
- The states will contribute to ensuring free navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
- The two-week ceasefire is to be observed by all parties, including Lebanon.
- Leaders warn of the threat of a global energy crisis if diplomacy fails.
“We strongly support rapid progress towards a substantive agreement,” reads the text of the statement, which also commends Pakistan and “all partners” involved in brokering the US-Iran ceasefire agreement announced Wednesday night. This includes the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran practically blocked after Washington and Tel Aviv launched attacks against it at the end of February.
The leaders also jointly called on all parties to observe a two-week ceasefire, including in Lebanon. Israel has previously claimed that the ceasefire does not apply to this country. “The goal now must be to negotiate a quick and permanent end to the war in the coming days. This can only be achieved through diplomatic means.” they noted and emphasized that this is necessary to protect the civilian population of Iran, ensure security throughout the region and prevent a serious global energy crisis.
The declaration was signed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.
